Thigh support device

ABSTRACT

In one embodiment of the present invention, a thigh support device is provided which is a generally elongated, supportive wedge operable for wedging between a person&#39;s outer thigh when seated in a car seat and the car seat, thereby supporting and laterally constraining the thigh. The thigh support device may further include means for covering the supportive wedge and/or the supportive wedge may be made of a compliant material in some embodiments. A thigh supportive car seat is also provided that includes means built into the car seat for supporting and laterally constraining a person&#39;s outer thigh when seated in a car seat and the car seat, which in some embodiments the thigh supporting means is adjustable in height.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to ergonomic devices for upperleg support while seated. More particularly, the invention relates toupper leg support ergonomic devices that constrain unnecessary movementof an automobile driver's leg while providing comforting supportthereto.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is a common experience when driving a car that the leg which controlsthe gas and break pedals tends to get fatigued and is not always locatedoptimally to reach the pedals quickly. When unconstrained, the driver'supper leg tends to move unnecessarily while driving, which tends tooverexert the leg and increases reaction time in situations when fastaction is needed.

In view of the foregoing, there is a need for a way to reduceoverexertion and unnecessary movement of the driver's controlling legwhile driving.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is illustrated by way of example, and not by wayof limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings and in whichlike reference numerals refer to similar elements and in which:

FIGS. 1 a and b illustrate a longitudinal and side perspective view,respectively, of an exemplary thigh support device according to anembodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 2 illustrates the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 in exemplary usesupporting the controlling upper leg of a car driver.

Unless otherwise indicated illustrations in the figures are notnecessarily drawn to scale.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

To achieve the forgoing and other objects and in accordance with thepurpose of the invention, a variety of thigh support devices aredescribed.

In one embodiment of the present invention, a thigh support device isprovided which is a generally elongated, supportive wedge operable forwedging between a person's outer thigh when seated in a car seat and thecar seat, thereby supporting and laterally constraining the thigh. Thethigh support device may further including means for covering thesupportive wedge and/or the supportive wedge may be made of a compliantmaterial in some embodiments.

In alternate embodiments of the present invention, a thigh supportivecar seat is provided that includes means built into the car seat forsupporting and laterally constraining a person's outer thigh when seatedin a car seat and the car seat, which in some embodiments the thighsupporting means is adjustable in height.

Other features, advantages, and object of the present invention willbecome more apparent and be more readily understood from the followingdetailed description, which should be read in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention is best understood by reference to the detailedfigures and description set forth herein.

Embodiments of the invention are discussed below with reference to theFigures. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate thatthe detailed description given herein with respect to these figures isfor explanatory purposes as the invention extends beyond these limitedembodiments.

FIGS. 1 a and b illustrate a longitudinal and side perspective view,respectively, of an exemplary thigh support device 100 according to anembodiment of the present invention. As shown in the Figure, thighsupport device 100 is a generally triangular shaped elongated wedge. Inthe preferred embodiment, thigh support device 100 is filled with arelatively firm, but compliant material that is comfortable to theuser's upper leg when pressing against thigh support device 100.Suitable filling materials include, but are not limited to, common solidfoam, Styrofoam beans used in beanbags, etc. In the preferredembodiment, thigh support device 100 is covered by a soft and resilientmaterial (shown in the figure as a textured surface), but any suitablematerial may be implemented depending upon the needs of the particularapplication. Some embodiments may not have a cover and, instead, thesolid filing material is used alone.

The length of the preferred embodiment is sized such that it candirectly support most of a person's thigh. Similarly, the length of eachside of the triangle, and hence the angles thereof, are chosen such thatthe thigh support device can comfortably wedge between a person's outerthigh and the car seat they are sitting in. In one application, suitabledimensions are a longitudinal length of 8 inches, and an equilateraltriangular with 4 inches on each side. In alternate embodiments, theshape of the leg support surfaces may be varied to have differentshapes, including, without limitation, curved, and concave to better fitthe shape of the thigh, especially if less compliant materials are used.In light of the teachings of the present invention those skilled in theart will recognize a multiplicity of alternate and suitable shapes, andfill and cover materials as dictated by the requirements of theparticular application.

FIG. 2 illustrates the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 in exemplary usesupporting the controlling upper leg of a car driver. Although, thepreferred application is directed towards automobile applications, thoseskilled in the art will recognize a multiplicity of alternateapplication in light of the teachings of the present invention. As seenin the figure, the preferred application of thigh support device 100 isto be wedged between the driver's outer right thigh and the seat.

As clearly demonstrated in the exemplary implementation shown, thedriver's right thigh is supported such that unnecessarily movement ofthat leg is laterally restricted while the lower part of the leg is freeto move normally, thereby providing supportive comfort and improvedreaction time to engage the gas or break pedals as the lower leg isconstrained in closer proximity thereof.

Some alternate embodiments (not shown) may be further provided withmeans for removably attaching the thigh support device to the seatsurface to resist slippage thereof over the seat surface.

Although the Figure illustrates an exemplary placement for left sidedsteering wheel cars, of course, cars with right sided steering wheelwould place thigh support device 100 against their left leg.

It is contemplated that some users may want to use the present thighsupport device on both legs or, even, non-drivers may also want to usethe thigh support device as additional ergonomic comfort.

Having fully described at least one embodiment of the present invention,other equivalent or alternative methods of thigh support according tothe present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Theinvention has been described above by way of illustration, and thespecific embodiments disclosed are not intended to limit the inventionto the particular forms disclosed. For example, the embodimentsdescribed in the foregoing were directed to portable implementations ofthe thigh support device; however, in alternate embodiments the thighsupport device may be incorporated appropriately into the car seat andcapable of height adjustment by the driver, wherein such implementationsof the present invention are contemplated as within the scope of thepresent invention. The invention is thus to cover all modifications,equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of thefollowing claims.

1. A thigh support device consisting of: a generally triangular shaped,elongated, supportive cushion operable for wedging between a person'souter thigh when seated in a car seat and the car seat, the cushionhaving no right angles between sides along its elongated axis and thecushion being dimensioned and shaped such that the cushion can onlysupport and laterally constrain the thigh and not beyond the thigh. 2.The thigh support device of claim 1, further comprising means forcovering said supportive cushion.
 3. The thigh support device of claim1, wherein said supportive cushion is comprised of a compliant material.4. For use with a car or similar vehicle, a thigh support devicecomprising: means for supporting and laterally constraining a person'souter thigh when seated in a seat of the car; and means for coveringsaid thigh supporting means.
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